EC lashes out at parties unable to accept defeat

Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof today lashed out at certain parties who refused to accept defeat and were instead blaming others for their performance in the 13th General Election.

He said these parties were intent on looking for a scapegoat and the easiest victim was the EC, on which they heaped various allegations to tarnish its integrity, credibility and efficiency.

As an example, he cited the allegation of a power cut at a counting centre that was widely posted on social media sites, which upon investigation turned out to be baseless.

"They're intent on portraying the EC as a body without integrity and credibility, even capable of disrupting power supply in order to switch results in the dark. This is a despicable lie. If Muslims are behind such lies, it looks like they're not afraid of committing such a big sin.

"We have investigated the allegation thoroughly and found that such an incident never occurred,' he told a press conference at his office here today.

Saying that perception played an all important role in politics, Abdul Aziz criticised the statement of a politician who accused the EC of not implementing the suggestions made by the Parliamentary Select Committee on electoral reform, despite the 19 changes introduced at the polls on May 5.

He said the changes were clearly in force such as the use of indelible ink, no objection period, candidates not allowed to withdraw , early voting and many more, but the politician kept reinforcing the negative perception against the EC.

There were also certain parties who went to great lengths to wash off the indelible ink just to create doubts among the voters, he stressed.

He said that despite all the criticisms leveled against the EC, they would still study the issues concerned and improve these aspects in the next general election.

Commenting on allegations of phantom voters, Abdul Aziz said he was disappointed that these parties were so carried away that they had reportedly tried to prevent locals who looked liked foreigners from voting.

"I was even informed that a few election observers halted in a rough manner two busloads of foreign workers on their way to a factory causing them to flee in fear for their safety," he said.